Richard Jefferson is finally getting healthy and the Nets are in the midst of their longest homestand of the season. If they expect to return to form as one of the top teams in the Eastern Conference, now is the time to do it.

“We felt on the West Coast road trip, we played well, we just didn’t win and had some breakdowns,” Jason Kidd said. “We need to have a little more consistency. Now we have a good month here where we play some really talented teams at home, so we have to protect home.”

Tonight figures to be quite a challenge, as the Nets try to win their third straight game for the first time this season. While the Nets seem to be on the road to recovery, they must face Dallas, one of the league’s hottest teams.

After starting the year 0-4, the Mavericks, who lost to Miami in the Finals last season, had won 12 straight games before last night’s 106-97 loss to the Wizards.

“They had a taste, had a legit chance to win the whole thing,” Kidd said of Dallas, which held a 2-0 series lead over Miami, only to see the Heat win four straight. “They’re hungry.”

Tonight marks the second of six in a row for the Nets at the Meadowlands, as well as 10 of 11 at home. That stretch, coupled with the improved health and play of Jefferson, should help the Nets, who are in first place despite a 7-9 record.

“I feel like I’m getting back,” said Jefferson, who has battled ankle problems this season. “I’m still doing some things that are uncharacteristic of me. I’ve made some gains this summer as far as ball-handling and my decision-making, and when you start off the season hurt and then miss three weeks of practice and play, you kind of go back a little.”

Jefferson said he was “80 percent” healthy and his performance is evidence he’s bouncing back.

“He’s improving every game,” coach Lawrence Frank said.

Jefferson has averaged 23 points in his last three and that has helped everyone else.

“I believe I make things easier for other people,” Jefferson said. “The way I run the floor and spread the floor [helps].”

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Vince Carter wasn’t at practice yesterday for personal reasons. He will play tonight. Hassan Adams also was out with an illness.

Antoine Wright injured his shoulder yesterday and his status is uncertain.